Multiple level program verify in a memory device

ABSTRACT

Methods for multiple level program verify, memory devices, and memory systems are provided. In one such method, a series of programming pulses are applied to a memory cell to be programmed. A program verify pulse, at an initial program verify voltage, is applied to the memory cell after each programming pulse. The initial program verify voltage is a verify voltage that has been increased by a quick charge loss voltage. The quick charge loss voltage is subtracted from the initial program verify voltage after either a programming pulse has reached a certain reference voltage or a quantity of programming pulses has reached a pulse count threshold.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to memory and in a particular embodiment the present invention relates to non-volatile memory.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Flash memory devices have developed into a popular source of non-volatile memory for a wide range of electronic applications. Flash memory devices typically use a one-transistor memory cell that allows for high memory densities, high reliability, and low power consumption. Common uses for flash memory include personal computers, flash drives, digital cameras, and cellular telephones. Program code and system data such as a basic input/output system (BIOS) are typically stored in flash memory devices for use in personal computer systems.

FIG. 1 shows a plot of V_(WL) versus time of typical prior art programming and verification operations. The figure shows the series of incrementally increasing programming pulses 101 being applied to the target memory cell as the word line voltage V_(WL). The programming pulse increases a charge level on a floating gate of the target memory cell, thereby increasing the cell's threshold voltage V_(t). After each programming pulse 101, a verify pulse 102 occurs at a V_(vfy) level to determine if the cell's threshold voltage has increased to the target programmed level.

After programming, the memory cell can experience multiple forms of charge loss. These include single bit charge loss, intrinsic charge loss, and quick charge loss.

Single bit charge loss is the result of a defective memory cell that exhibits electron leakage from the floating gate through the tunnel oxide to the active region. This leakage is typically due to oxide defects or trap assisted tunneling and results in inferior long-term data retention.

Intrinsic charge loss is a detrapping of electron traps near the tunnel oxide interface out to the channel region. Intrinsic charge loss can be accelerated with high temperature stress and occurs over a long period of time. The trapped charge initially causes the cell V_(t) to appear higher than the floating gate is programmed. The detrapping of these electrons long after programming then causes a onetime shift in the threshold voltage.

Quick charge loss is a detrapping of electron traps near the tunnel oxide interface out to the channel region and causes an immediate V_(t) shift after a programming pulse. When a cell passes the verify operation, the programmed threshold voltage appears to be higher due to the trapped charge in the tunnel oxide. When the cell is read after the program operation has been completed, the cell has a V_(t) that is lower than the V_(t) obtained during the program verify operation due to the charge in the tunnel oxide leaking out to the channel region. This can require an enlargement of the V_(t) distribution in order to accommodate all possible threshold voltages for a given state.

FIG. 2 shows the resulting V_(t) of the target cell being programmed. The top V_(t) plot 212, 216 is the maximum threshold voltage and the lower V_(t) plot 211, 214 is the minimum threshold voltage, as illustrated in FIG. 3. As the programming pulses 101 of FIG. 1 are applied to a target cell control gate, the V_(t) 211, 212 increases to approximately the V_(t) _(—) _(vfy) level. Once at this level, the target cell is verified and inhibited from further programming. The ideal V_(t) 213, 215 is shown staying level at V_(t). However, the real V_(t) 214, 216 of the target cell begins to decrease almost immediately after the last programming pulse.

FIG. 3 illustrates a typical prior art V_(t) distribution of memory cells programmed in the manner shown in FIG. 1 to a target programmed state. In FIG. 3, the dotted line 300 represents the ideal distribution while the solid line 301 represents the real distribution. The lower end 305 of the ideal distribution 300 corresponds to memory cells having a V_(t) in accordance with plot 213 of FIG. 2 and the upper end 310 of the ideal distribution 300 corresponds to memory cells having a V_(t) in accordance with plot 215. Similarly, the lower end 306 of the real distribution 301 corresponds to memory cells having a V_(t) in accordance with plot 214 and the upper end 307 of the real distribution 301 corresponds to memory cells having a V_(t) in accordance with plot 216.

The cells at the lower end of the ideal distribution 300 are verified at the V_(pgm) _(—) _(vfy) voltage. After the programming operation and subsequent inhibition of those cells, the distribution shifts in the negative direction by an amount equal to V_(QCL) and ends at the lower V_(t) 306. Such a shift in the distribution would necessitate an enlarged distribution that starts at the real lower V_(t) 306 and extends to the ideal upper V_(t) 310.

In a single level cell (SLC) memory device, a V_(t) distribution enlargement does not typically affect the reading of a programmed memory cell. However, in a multiple level cell (MLC) memory device, the state distributions are typically more closely spaced in order to fit all of the states within a low supply voltage range. Enlarging the V_(t) distributions in an MLC device can thus reduce the number of states that are programmable into the device. Additionally, the enlarged V_(t) distributions can overlap and result in errors in reading the different states.

For the reasons stated above, and for other reasons stated below that will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the present specification, there is a need in the art to reduce the effects of charge loss in a memory device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a plot of V_(WL) versus time of a typical prior art programming operation.

FIG. 2 shows a plot of the real and ideal V_(t) of the target cell during the typical prior art programming operation of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a typical prior art V_(t) distribution, in accordance with FIG. 2, that has been affected by quick charge loss.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a portion of a memory array.

FIG. 5 shows one embodiment of V_(t) distributions in accordance with the memory array of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of one embodiment of a method for programming and program verify that incorporates multiple level verification.

FIG. 7 shows a plot of V_(WL) versus time for program and verify pulses in accordance with the method of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of an alternate embodiment of a method for programming and program verify that incorporates multiple level verification.

FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of one embodiment of a memory system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof and in which is shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In the drawings, like numerals describe substantially similar components throughout the several views. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments may be utilized and structural, logical, and electrical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of a portion of a NAND architecture memory array 401 comprising series strings of non-volatile memory cells on which one embodiment of the method for charge loss compensation can operate. While the subsequent discussions refer to a NAND memory device, the present embodiments are not limited to such an architecture but can be used in other memory device architectures as well.

The array is comprised of an array of non-volatile memory cells 401 (e.g., floating gate) arranged in columns such as series strings 404, 405. Each of the cells 401 are coupled drain to source in each series string 404, 405. An access line (e.g. word line) WL0-WL31 that spans across multiple series strings 404, 405 is connected to the control gates of each memory cell in a row in order to bias the control gates of the memory cells in the row. Data lines, such as bit lines BL1, BL2 are coupled to the strings and eventually connected to sense amplifiers (not shown) that detect the state of each cell by sensing current or voltage on a particular bit line.

Each series string 404, 405 of memory cells is coupled to a source line 406 by a source select gate 416, 417 and to an individual bit line BL1, BL2 by a drain select gate 412, 413. The source select gates 416, 417 are controlled by a source select gate control line SG(S) 418 coupled to their control gates. The drain select gates 412, 413 are controlled by a drain select gate control line SG(D) 414.

Each memory cell can be programmed as a single level cell (SLC) or multiple level cell (MLC). Each cell's threshold voltage (V_(t)) is indicative of the data that is stored in the cell. For example, in an SLC, a V_(t) of 0.5V might indicate a programmed cell while a V_(t) of −0.5V might indicate an erased cell. The MLC uses multiple V_(t) ranges that each indicate a different state. Multilevel cells can take advantage of the analog nature of a traditional flash cell by assigning a bit pattern to a specific voltage range stored on the cell. This technology permits the storage of two or more bits per cell, depending on the quantity of voltage ranges assigned to the cell.

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of V_(t) distributions of four possible states to which memory cells of an array can be programmed, e.g., 00, 01, 10, and 11. This figure shows the memory cells' V_(t) versus the number of cells in each programmed or erased state.

This diagram of FIG. 5 shows that the logical 11 state 501 is the most negative state and is typically referred to as the erased state. The logical 10 state 502 is the most positive state. The logical 01 state 503 and the logical 00 state 504 are located between the most negative and most positive states 501, 502. The states of FIG. 5 are for purposes of illustration only as the present embodiments may assign different logical states to each threshold voltage distribution.

In programming a memory cell, a memory cell's threshold voltage is moved from one state 501-504 to another. For example, a flash memory cell is typically programmed from the erased state 501. The cell's threshold voltage is increased by the application to the cell control gate of a series of incrementally increasing programming pulses that start at an initial, high voltage (e.g., approximately 16V) and increase by a step voltage (e.g., 1.0V) until the cell is programmed to the target V_(t) representing the desired data or the programming algorithm concludes.

The distributions of FIG. 5 are separated by margins 510, 511 between the states 502-504. It can be seen that if the distributions were widened to compensate for the quick charge loss, as described in FIG. 2, one state might overlap another state and thus cause a read error.

The two bit MLC states of FIG. 5 are for purposes of illustration only. The disclosed embodiments for programming and program verification can be used on any number of states represented by any number of bits.

The program verification method, discussed subsequently, uses a dynamic, multiple verify level instead of the fixed verify level used in the prior art. The initial program verify of a programming operation is to a higher voltage, to take into account the initially higher memory cell threshold voltage due to the electrons trapped in the tunnel oxide layer. Subsequent verifications during the same programming operation are to a lower program verify voltage.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of one embodiment of a method for programming and program verify, with multiple level verification, of selected memory cells, such as to reduce the effects of quick charge loss. The program verify voltage is initially set at V_(verify) _(—) _(QCL) 601. This voltage is defined as V_(verify)+V_(QCL) where V_(verify) is the verify voltage that would typically be used to verify a programming operation and V_(QCL) is the V_(t) drop of a memory cell due to QCL after a programming pulse has occurred.

V_(QCL), in one embodiment, is determined by empirical experimentation. For example, an average quick charge loss response to each programmed voltage can be determined for a certain number of memory devices. Both V_(verify) and V_(QCL) are different for different programmed voltages, thus V_(verify) _(—) _(QCL) will be different for different programmed voltages.

An initial programming pulse is then applied to the control gate of the selected memory cell to be programmed 603. As previously discussed, this pulse is at an initial programming voltage (e.g., 16V) and increases the V_(t) of that particular memory cell. A program verify operation is then performed on the memory cell 605 to determine if its V_(t) has reached the V_(verify) _(—) _(QCL) level.

If the cell verify passes (e.g., V_(t) is greater than or equal to V_(verify) _(—) _(QCL)) 607, the memory cell has been programmed to at least the target threshold voltage and further programming is inhibited 609. In one embodiment, the programming inhibition can be accomplished by biasing the bit line to which the selected memory cell is coupled with a supply voltage (e.g., V_(CC)). This increases the memory cell's channel voltage and prevents further increases of the cell's V_(t).

If the cell's V_(t) is less than V_(verify) _(—) _(QCL) 607, the memory cell has failed the initial program verify operation and has not been programmed to the target threshold voltage. In this case, it is determined if the programming voltage is less than a reference voltage V_(pgm) _(—) _(QCL) 611. The reference voltage V_(pgm) _(—) _(QCL) is determined through experimentation and characterization of a memory device's technology. V_(pgm) _(—) _(QCL) is chosen to reduce program disturb, quick charge loss, and other detrimental flash memory characteristics.

If the programming voltage is less than V_(pgm) _(—) _(QCL), the programming voltage is incremented by a step voltage 613 and the method repeats from the initial step where the program verify voltage is set to V_(verify) _(—) _(QCL). The memory cell being programmed is thus again verified to the initial V_(verify) _(—) _(QCL) voltage. In one embodiment, the programming voltage is increased by a step voltage of 1V. Alternate embodiments may use other step voltages.

If the programming voltage is greater than or equal to V_(pgm) _(—) _(QCL) 611, the program verify voltage is set to V_(verify). The V_(verify) voltage is substantially equal to V_(verify) _(—) _(QCL) less the QCL voltage (V_(QCL)) and is substantially the same as the nominal verify voltage used during a typical verify operation. In one embodiment, V_(verify) is 4.0V and V_(QCL) is 0.2V resulting in a V_(verify) _(—) _(QCL) of 4.2V. Alternate embodiments can use different voltages.

The programming voltage is increased by a step voltage (e.g., 1.0V) 617 and the method is repeated from the application of the new programming pulse to the selected memory cell's control gate 603. The method now uses V_(verify) as the new program verify voltage.

FIG. 7 illustrates a plot of programming and program verify pulses that result from the method of FIG. 6. The programming pulses 701-706 are shown increasing in amplitude, from the initial pulse 701 to the final pulse 706, by an increment voltage V_(step). Initially, the program verify pulses 710-713 are at the V_(verify) _(—) _(QCL) level as described previously. Once a programming pulse 705 has an amplitude greater than a reference voltage (e.g., V_(pgm) _(—) _(QCL)), the program verify voltage is reduced to V_(verify) so that the remaining program verify pulses 720, 721 for the current programming operation are at the V_(verify) level. This continues until the selected memory cell passes the program verify operation or the programming algorithm concludes.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of an alternate embodiment of a method for programming and program verify, with multiple level verification, of selected memory cells to reduce the effects of quick charge loss. In this embodiment, the change in V_(verify) is triggered by a number of programming pulses instead of the programming voltage of the embodiment of FIG. 6.

The program verify voltage is initially set at V_(verify) _(—) _(QCL) 801. This voltage is defined as V_(verify)+V_(QCL) where V_(verify) is the verify voltage that would typically be used to verify a programming operation and V_(QCL) is the V_(t) drop of a memory cell due to QCL after a programming pulse has occurred.

An initial programming pulse is then applied to the control gate (e.g., biasing the word line) of the selected memory cell to be programmed 803. As previously discussed, this pulse is at an initial programming voltage (e.g., 16V) and increases the V_(t) of that particular memory cell. A program verify operation is then performed on the memory cell 805 to determine if its V_(t) has reached the V_(verify) _(—) _(QCL) level.

If the cell verify passes (e.g., V_(t) is greater than or equal to V_(verify) _(—) _(QCL)) 807, the memory cell has been programmed to at least the target threshold voltage and further programming is inhibited 809. In one embodiment, the programming inhibition can be accomplished by biasing the bit line to which the selected memory cell is coupled with a supply voltage (e.g., V_(CC)). This increases the memory cell's channel voltage and prevents further increases of the cell's V_(t).

If the cell's V_(t) is less than V_(verify) _(—) _(QCL) 807, the memory cell has failed the initial program verify operation and has not been programmed to the target threshold voltage. In this case, it is determined if the number of programming pulses has reached a particular pulse count (e.g., N_(pgm) _(—) _(QCL)) 811. The reference pulse count N_(pgm) _(—) _(QCL) is determined through experimentation and characterization of a memory device's technology. N_(pgm) _(—) _(QCL) is chosen to reduce program disturb, quick charge loss, and other detrimental flash memory characteristics.

If the pulse count is less than N_(pgm) _(—) _(QCL), the programming voltage is incremented by a step voltage 813 and the method repeats from the initial step where the program verify voltage is set to V_(verify) _(—) _(QCL). The memory cell being programmed is thus again verified to the initial V_(verify) _(—) _(QCL) voltage. In one embodiment, the programming voltage is increased by a step voltage of 1V. Alternate embodiments may use other step voltages.

If the pulse count is greater than or equal to N_(pgm) _(—) _(QCL) 811, the program verify voltage is set to V_(verify) 815. The V_(verify) voltage is substantially equal to V_(verify) _(—) _(QCL) less the QCL voltage (V_(QCL)) and is substantially the same as the typical verify voltage used during a normal verify operation. In one embodiment, V_(verify) is 4.0V and V_(QCL) is 0.2V resulting in a V_(verify) _(—) _(QCL) of 4.2V. Alternate embodiments can use different voltages.

The programming voltage is increased by a step voltage (e.g., 1.0V) 817 and the method is repeated from the application of the new programming pulse to the selected memory cell's control gate 803. The method now uses V_(verify) as the new program verify voltage.

FIG. 9 illustrates a functional block diagram of a memory device 900. The memory device 900 is coupled to an external processor 910. The processor 910 may be a microprocessor or some other type of controller. The memory device 900 and the processor 910 form part of a memory system 920. The memory device 900 has been simplified to focus on features of the memory that are helpful in understanding the present invention.

The memory device 900 includes an array 930 of non-volatile memory cells, such as the one illustrated previously in FIG. 3. The memory array 930 is arranged in banks of word line rows and bit line columns. In one embodiment, the columns of the memory array 930 are comprised of series strings of memory cells. As is well known in the art, the connections of the cells to the bit lines determines whether the array is a NAND architecture, an AND architecture, or a NOR architecture.

Address buffer circuitry 940 is provided to latch address signals provided through the I/O circuitry 960. Address signals are received and decoded by a row decoder 944 and a column decoder 946 to access the memory array 930. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, with the benefit of the present description, that the number of address input connections depends on the density and architecture of the memory array 930. That is, the number of addresses increases with both increased memory cell counts and increased bank and block counts.

The memory device 900 reads data in the memory array 930 by sensing voltage or current changes in the memory array columns using sense amplifier circuitry 950. The sense amplifier circuitry 950, in one embodiment, is coupled to read and latch a row of data from the memory array 930. Data input and output buffer circuitry 960 is included for bidirectional data communication as well as address communication over a plurality of data connections 962 with the controller 910. Write circuitry 955 is provided to write data to the memory array.

Memory control circuitry 970 decodes signals provided on control connections 972 from the processor 910. These signals are used to control the operations on the memory array 930, including data read, data write (program), and erase operations. The memory controller circuitry 970 may be a state machine, a sequencer, or some other type of controller to generate the memory control signals. In one embodiment, the memory control circuitry 970 is configured to execute the programming and multiple level program verify method of the present embodiments in order to reduce the effects of quick charge loss in the memory device.

The flash memory device illustrated in FIG. 9 has been simplified to facilitate a basic understanding of the features of the memory. A more detailed understanding of internal circuitry and functions of flash memories are known to those skilled in the art.

CONCLUSION

In summary, one or more embodiments can reduce the effects of quick charge loss in a memory device during a programming operation. In one such embodiment, a dynamic, multiple level program verify voltage is used during program verify of the selected memory cell. The program verify voltage is initially increased, such as to compensate for the charge loss experienced after programming. After the programming voltage of an associated programming pulse reaches a reference voltage level or the number of programming pulses have reached a certain pulse count threshold, the program verify voltage is set to a lower program verify voltage.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement that is calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. Many adaptations of the invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, this application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the invention. It is manifestly intended that this invention be limited only by the following claims and equivalents thereof. 

1. A method for multiple level program verify in a memory device, the method comprising: applying a series of programming pulses to a control gate of a selected memory cell, each programming pulse of the series of programming pulses increasing by a step voltage over a preceding programming pulse in the series of programming pulses; performing a program verify after each programming pulse, at least a first program verify comprising a first voltage; decreasing the first voltage to a second voltage for each subsequent program verify after a programming pulse is at least equal to a reference programming voltage; and inhibiting programming of the selected memory cell when the selected memory cell is programmed to a threshold voltage at least equal to a target voltage that passes the program verify; and wherein decreasing the first voltage comprises subtracting a quick charge loss voltage from the first voltage.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein performing a program verify comprises performing a plurality of program verifies at the first program voltage.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein decreasing the first voltage to the second voltage occurs when the programming pulse is equal to or greater than the reference programming voltage.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein each program verify comprises a voltage pulse at one of either the first or the second voltages.
 5. A method for multiple level program verify in a memory device, the method comprising: applying a programming voltage to a selected access line to program at least one selected memory cell; program verifying the at least one selected memory cell with a program verify voltage; inhibiting further programming of each of the at least one selected memory cells that pass the program verify; comparing the programming voltage to a program reference voltage that incorporates a quick charge loss voltage; repeating the program and program verify of the at least one selected memory cells, that are not inhibited, with an increased programming voltage and a decreased program verify voltage if the programming voltage is at least equal to the program reference voltage.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein inhibiting further programming comprises biasing a data line coupled to the at least one memory cells to be inhibited with an inhibit voltage.
 7. The method of claim 1 and further including: repeating the program and program verify of the at least one selected memory cells, that are not inhibited, with an increased programming voltage and the program verify voltage if the programming voltage is less than the program reference voltage.
 8. A memory device comprising: a memory array comprising a plurality of memory cells; and control circuitry coupled to the memory array for controlling operation of the memory array, wherein the control circuitry is configured to control generation of a dynamic program verify voltage that is adjusted in response to a programming voltage being at least equal to a reference voltage wherein the reference voltage is determined in response to quick charge loss characteristics of the memory device, the control circuitry further configured to control generation of a series of increasing programming voltages, each programming voltage followed by a program verify voltage, wherein the control circuitry is configured to inhibit programming of memory cells having a threshold voltage at least equal to a target voltage.
 9. The memory device of claim 8 wherein the memory array is organized in a NAND architecture.
 10. The memory device of claim 8 wherein the control circuitry is further configured to control generation of a second program verify voltage that is less than an initial program verify voltage when the programming voltage is equal to or exceeds the reference voltage.
 11. The memory device of claim 8 wherein the control circuitry is further configured to control decreasing the program verify voltage and increasing the programming voltage in response to the programming voltage being equal to or greater than the reference voltage.
 12. A memory system comprising: a controller configured to control operation of the memory system; and a memory device coupled to the controller, the device comprising: a memory array comprising a plurality of memory cells; and memory control circuitry coupled to the memory array and configured to control operation of the memory array, the memory control circuitry configured to control a programming operation comprising a series of incrementally increasing programming pulses having a program verify pulse after each programming pulse wherein the control circuitry is configured to determine when a programming pulse is at least equal to a reference voltage and decrease a voltage of subsequent program verify pulses from an initial program verify voltage.
 13. The system of claim 12 wherein the memory control circuitry is further configured to increase the programming pulses and not decrease the voltage of subsequent program verify pulses when the programming pulse is less than the reference voltage.
 14. The system of claim 12 wherein the memory control circuitry is further configured to increase each subsequent programming pulse by a step voltage from a previous programming pulse of the programming operation.
 15. The system of claim 12 wherein the plurality of memory cells that are organized in rows of access lines coupled to control gates of the memory cells and the memory control circuitry is further configured to apply the incrementally increasing programming pulses to select ones of the access lines such that threshold voltages of selected memory cells are increased.
 16. The system of claim 15 wherein the memory control circuitry is further configured to compare the threshold voltages to the initial program verify voltage and inhibit further programming of memory cells having a threshold voltage at least equal to the initial program verify voltage.
 17. The system of claim 12 wherein the memory control circuitry is further configured to determine when the programming pulse is at least equal to the reference voltage only if a threshold voltage of a memory cell being programmed is less than the initial program verify voltage.
 18. A method for multiple level program verify in a memory device, the method comprising: applying a plurality of programming pulses to a selected memory cell; performing a program verify after each programming pulse wherein a voltage of the program verify decreases by a quick charge loss voltage in response to a predetermined quantity of programming pulses being applied to the selected memory cell; and inhibiting programming of the selected memory cell when the program verify indicates that a threshold voltage of the selected memory cell is at least equal to a target voltage.
 19. The method of claim 18 wherein the voltage of the program verify changes when the quantity of the plurality of programming pulses reaches a pulse count threshold.
 20. The method of claim 18 and further including: performing the program verify with an initial program verify voltage prior to the quantity of programming pulses being applied; and performing the program verify with a subsequent program verify voltage after the quantity of programming pulses have been applied to the selected memory cell.
 21. The method of claim 20 wherein the subsequent program verify voltage is determined by subtracting a quick charge loss voltage from the initial program verify voltage. 